Mechanical brake system for a cart

ABSTRACT

A mechanical brake system for a cart includes a mounting member coupleable to the cart between two wheels of the cart, a cam rotatably coupled to the mounting member, a pair of elongate brake actuators movably coupled to the cam at proximal ends thereof, the elongate brake actuators extending outwardly in opposite directions from the cam, and a pair of brake members pivotably coupled to the mounting member on opposite sides of the cam, the brake members movably coupled to distal ends of the brake members. The brake system can also include an actuator (e.g., pedal) coupled to the cam, the actuator mechanically actuatable by a user to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuators relative to the brake members so as to pivot the brake members into and out of engagement with the two wheels of the cart.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/107,957, filed on Oct. 23, 2008, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference and should be considered a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cart, and more specifically to a brake system for a cart.

2. Description of the Related Art

Four wheel carts are generally known. However, these carts are generally hard to turn or require complicated mechanisms to turn the wheels. Additionally, conventional carts have a relatively small load weight limit and become unstable depending on how much load is added to the cart, as well as where the load is placed on the cart. Further, carts generally do not include brake mechanisms to prevent the cart from moving, or include brake mechanisms that are complex, difficult to operate, or require a user to let go of the cart with at least one of their hands to operate the cart, which may cause the user to lose control of the cart (e.g., if the cart is on a sloped surface).

There is a need for an improved brake mechanism for a cart that is easy to operate and allows a user to maintain control of the cart while operating the brake.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one embodiment, a mechanical brake system for a cart is provided. The brake system comprises a mounting member coupleable to the cart between two wheels of the cart, a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member, and a pair of elongate brake actuators movably coupled to the cam at proximal ends thereof, the elongate brake actuators extending outwardly in opposite directions from the cam. The brake system also comprises a pair of brake members pivotably coupled to the mounting member on opposite sides of the cam, the brake members movably coupled to distal ends of the brake members, and an actuator coupled to the cam, the actuator mechanically actuatable by a user to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuators relative to the brake members so as to pivot the brake members into and out of engagement with the two wheels of the cart.

In accordance with another embodiment, a mechanical brake system for a cart is provided. The brake system comprises a mounting member coupleable to a back plate of the cart between two rear wheels of the cart, a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member, and a pair of elongate brake actuators movably coupled to the cam at proximal ends thereof, the elongate brake actuators extending outwardly in opposite directions from the cam. The brake system also comprises a pair of brake members pivotably coupled to the mounting member on opposite sides of the cam, the brake members movably coupled to distal ends of the brake members, and a pedal coupled to the cam, the pedal mechanically actuatable by a user's foot to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuators relative to the brake members so as to pivot the brake members into and out of engagement with tires of the two rear wheels of the cart.

In accordance with another embodiment, a mechanical brake system for a cart is provided. The brake system comprises a mounting member coupleable to a back plate of the cart between two rear wheels of the cart, a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member, and at least one elongate brake actuator movably coupled to the cam at proximal end thereof, the elongate brake actuator extending outwardly from the cam toward one of the two rear wheels of the cart. The brake system also comprises a brake member pivotably coupled to the mounting member and movably coupled to a distal end of the brake member, and a pedal coupled to the cam, the pedal mechanically actuatable by a user's foot to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuator relative to the brake member so as to pivot the brake member into and out of engagement with one of the two rear wheels of the cart.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a brake mechanism for a cart.

FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the brake mechanism of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cart incorporating the brake mechanism of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a schematic view of the brake mechanism in one operating position.

FIG. 4B is a schematic view of the brake mechanism in another operating position.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1-2 and 4A-4B show one embodiment of a brake system 100 for a cart 1000 (see FIG. 3). The brake system 100 can include a mounting member 10 extending between a proximal end 12 and a distal end 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting member 10 has a generally plate-like shape and includes a pair of slots or openings 16 at the proximal and distal ends 12, 14.

The brake system 100 also includes a brake cam 20 movably coupled to the mounting member 10 about a pivot point 22. In one embodiment, the pivot point 22 is disposed at an equidistant location between the proximal and distal ends 12, 14 of the mounting member 10. The cam 20 can also include a pair of connection members 24 on opposite sides of the pivot point 22.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the brake system 100 can also include at least one elongate brake actuator 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake system 100 has a pair of elongate brake actuators 30. Each of the elongate brake actuators 30 preferably extends between a proximal end 32 and a distal end 34, wherein the proximal end 32 is movably coupled to the connection member 24 of the cam 20. Additionally, the distal end 34 of the elongate brake actuator 30 is preferably movably coupled to a brake member 40, as further described below. In another embodiment (not shown), each elongate brake actuator 30 can be movably coupled to a separate cam, so that the elongate brake actuators 30 can be actuated independently of each other by actuating its corresponding cam.

In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate brake actuator 30 is a brake rod with a generally curvilinear shape, where the curved portion of the brake rod 30 extends at least partially around the pivot point 22 of the cam 20. The curved portion of the elongate brake actuator 30 can correspond to the proximal portion of the brake rod 30 that extends to the proximal end 32 and is attached to the cam 20, and the linear portion of the elongate brake actuator 30 can correspond to the distal portion of the brake rod 30 that extends to the distal end 34.

The brake system 100 can also include a brake member 40 that is pivotably coupled to the mounting member 10 about a pivot connection point 42. The brake member 40 can also be pivotably coupled to the elongate brake actuator 30 at a pivot point 44 that is offset from the pivot connection point 42. Accordingly, the brake member 40 is movable about the pivot connection point 42 when actuated via the pivot point 44 by the elongate brake actuator 30.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, the brake system 100 can also include a pedal 50 having a first contact portion 54 and a second contact portion 56 opposite the first contact portion 54. In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal 50 includes at least one fastening hole 52 via which the pedal 50 can be coupled to the connection members 24 the cam 20. Actuation of the pedal by a user, for example, via the pressing of a user's foot on either the first portion 54 or the second portion 56 of the pedal 50 preferably actuates the cam 20 to rotate in a direction corresponding to the applied force. Said rotation of the cam 20 causes the translation of the elongate brake actuator 30 towards the corresponding brake member 40 attached the brake actuator 30. In turn, the translation of the elongate brake actuator 30 causes the pivoting of the brake member 40 about the pivot connection point 42 in a direction corresponding to the direction of translation of the elongate brake actuator 30.

In one embodiment the mounting member 10 of the brake system 100 has a length of between about 12 inches and about 30 inches between the pair of slots 16 of the mounting member 10. In another embodiment, the mounting member 10 has a length of about 20 inches between the pair of slots 16. In one embodiment, the distance between the proximal end 32 and distal end 34 of the elongate brake actuator 30 is between about 5 inches and about 15 inches. In another embodiment, the distance between the proximal end 32 and distal end 34 of the elongate brake actuator 30 is about 10 inches. Additionally, in one embodiment, the overall length of the foot pedal can be between about 5 inches and about 15 inches. In another embodiment, the overall length of the foot pedal can be about 11 inches. In another embodiment, the brake member 40 has a brake engagement portion 46 having a length of between about 1 inch and about 5 inches, and preferably about 2.5 inches. However, the brake system 100 is not limited to the dimensions noted above, as the brake system 100 could have other suitable dimensions.

The brake system 100 can be used in conjunction with a cart 1000, such as the four-wheeled cart shown in FIG. 3. However, the brake system 100 can be attached to any cart design, and is not limited for use with the cart 1000 illustrated in FIG. 3. The cart 1000 can include a bottom portion 150 with a base 152, a pair of side walls 154 attached to opposite sides of the base 152 so as to define a cavity 153 therebetween, and a pair offenders 156 attached to the side walls 154. The bottom portion 150 of the cart 1000 can also have a front lip 158 extending from the base 152 at a front end 52 of the cart 1000.

In the illustrated embodiment, the base 152 is inclined downwardly toward a rear end 64 of the cart 1000. In one embodiment, the base 152 can be a plate that is planar. In another embodiment, the base 152 can have a concave shape. However, the base 152 can have other suitable shapes.

In one embodiment, the fenders 156 can taper outward from the front end 62 of the cart 1000. In one embodiment, the fenders 156 can taper along their entire length. In another embodiment, the fenders 156 can taper along a portion of their length. In one embodiment, the fenders 156 can be wedge-shaped. However, the fenders 156 can have other suitable shapes. In one embodiment, the fenders 156 can have a maximum width of between about one inch and about 6 inches, more preferably about 4 inches.

In one embodiment the side walls 154 can have a triangular shape. However, in other embodiments, the side walls 154 can have other suitable shapes, such as rectangular.

The cart 1000 also preferably includes a back portion 250 attached to the bottom portion 150. The back portion 250 can include a back plate 252 and a pair of side rails 254 attached to opposite sides of the back plate 252 so as to define a recess 253 therebetween. In one embodiment, the side rails 254 can be square tubing. For example, in one embodiment, the side rails 254 can be square tubing having a 1″×3″ cross-section size.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back plate 252 is generally planar. In another embodiment, the back plate 252 can have a concave shape in transverse cross-section. However, the back plate 252 can have other suitable shapes. The back plate 252 is preferably inclined rearwardly toward the rear end 64 of the cart 1000, which advantageously maintains the stability of the cart irrespective of the load amount carried by the cart.

The cart 1000 preferably includes a handle 350 attached to proximal ends of the side rails 254. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle 350 is c-shaped and includes a pair of side members 352 attached to the corresponding side rails 254 and a support portion 354 attached to the side members 352 and disposed rearwardly of the back plate 252. The support portion 354 of the handle preferably provides ergonomic support to a user's hands during operation of the cart 1000. In one embodiment, the handle 350 can be 1 inch diameter 11 gauges tubing. However, the handle 350 can have other suitable dimensions. The handle 350 can be hollow and the ends of the side members 352 can be generally closed (e.g., via caps) to prevent insertion of outside matter into the handle 350. In one embodiment, the handle 350 can have a height of between about 25 inches and 45 inches, and more preferably about 39 inches from the ground. However, the handle 350 can be disposed at other suitable distances from the ground.

The cart 1000 can also include a pair of front wheels 750 coupled to each other via an axle (not shown) that is rotatably mounted on axle mounts (not shown) of the bottom portion 150. The front wheels 750 can include tires 750 a thereon and are preferably disposed below and inwardly of an outer edge of the fenders 156. Accordingly, when the cart 1000 is viewed from the top, the fenders 156 preferably cover the front wheels 750. In one embodiment, the front wheels 750 are 10 inch diameter wheels that, in one embodiment, can include a pneumatic in each tire 750 a.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cart 1000 can also include a pair of rear wheels 850 with rear tires 850 a coupled via an axle 860 coupled to the bottom portion 150.

The brake mechanism 100 can in one embodiment be coupled to the back plate 252 between the rear wheels 850. For example, the mounting member 10 can be fastened to the back plate 252 via the slots 16 via fasteners, such as bolts, screws, rivets. In another embodiment, the mounting member 10 can be welded to the back plate 252. Additionally, the brake member(s) 40 can also be coupled to the back plate 252 via the pivot connection point 42. In one embodiment, the pivot connection point 42 can be a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt, rivet) that extends through the brake member 40, mounting member 10 and back plate 252. In another embodiment, the brake member 40 can be pivotally coupled to the mounting member 10 but not directly coupled to the back plate 252.

In the illustrated embodiment, the brake system 100 is a cam brake mechanism. However, in other embodiments, the brake system 100 can be other suitable brake mechanisms, such as other mechanical brake mechanisms. In the illustrated embodiment, the brake system 100 can be mechanically actuated by a user (e.g., by pressing down on the first or second portions 54, 56 of the brake pedal 50 with a user's foot) to engage the rear tires 850 a to inhibit the rotation thereof

During operation, the user can push the cart 1000 to maneuver the cart 1000 to a desired location. Additionally, when a side of the cart 1000 collides with an object (e.g., doorway or entryway), the fenders 156 advantageously guide the cart 1000 away from the object and inhibit a jarring collision that may be jarring to a user's hands. Also, the fenders 156 allow a user to place a load on the cart 1000 (e.g., hoses), without the load coming in contact with the front wheels 750 and obstructing the rotation thereof and while maintaining the stability of the cart 1000 irrespective of the load amount carried by the cart 1000. Further, during operation of the cart 1000, the user can support his or her hands on the support portion 354 of the handle 350, thereby inhibiting contact with any object (e.g., doorway) that strikes the side members 352 of the handle 350. The cart 1000 can advantageously support about 1000 lbs of weigh. However, in other embodiment, the cart 1000 can have a sufficient strength and rigidity to support more or less than 1000 lbs.

When the cart 1000 is at a standstill, the user can engage the brake system 100 to inhibit movement of the cart 1000. In one embodiment, the brake system 100 is a parking brake. As discussed above, the brake system 100 is actuated by exerting a force on the foot pedal 50 (e.g., on the first portion 54 or second portion 56). Said force actuates the cam 20 to rotate in the direction of the applied force. The rotation of the cam 20 causes the elongate brake actuator 30 to move or translate in the direction of the rotation of the cam 20. The translation of the elongate brake actuator 30 in turn pivots the brake member 40 in a direction generally normal to the direction of translation of the elongate brake actuator 30. In one direction, as shown in FIG. 4A, the brake member 40 can be pivoted to engage the rear tire 850 a proximate the brake member 40, which advantageously inhibits the rotation and pivoting of the rear wheel 850. As shown in FIG. 4B, a user can disengage the brake member 40 from the rear tire 850 a by pivoting the cam 20 in the opposite direction (e.g., by pressing on the other of the first and second portions 54, 56 of the brake pedal 50).

In one embodiment, each side wall 154, fender 156 and axle mount (not shown) can be part of one piece, which facilitates the manufacturing process and increases the rigidity and strength of the cart 1000. In one embodiment (not shown), a start plate can be used to obtain the left and right sides of the cart 1000. In one embodiment, the start plate can be a 3/16 inch thick hot rolled steel plate. However, the start plate can have other dimensions or be of other suitable materials. The left plate can be cut out (e.g., laser cut) of the start plate and has a contour that corresponds to the shape of the side wall 154, fender 156 and axle mount (not shown). Advantageously, use of the left and right plates facilitate the manufacturing process and reduces cost of production, as well as ensures the correct axle location, so that the front tires 750 will advantageously be set parallel to the side walls 154 of the cart 1000 and inhibit the pulling of the cart 1000 in one direction (e.g., due to the misalignment of the axle (not shown).

Of course, the foregoing description is that of certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention, to which various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Moreover, the brake system need not feature all of the objects, advantages, features and aspects discussed above. Thus, for example, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the invention can be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or a group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications and methods of use, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of these specific features and aspects of embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying embodiments of the brake system. 

1. A mechanical brake system for a cart, comprising: a mounting member coupleable to the cart between two wheels of the cart; a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member; a pair of elongate brake actuators movably coupled to the cam at proximal ends thereof, the elongate brake actuators extending outwardly in opposite directions from the cam; a pair of brake members pivotably coupled to the mounting member on opposite sides of the cam, the brake members movably coupled to distal ends of the brake members; and an actuator coupled to the cam, the actuator mechanically actuatable by a user to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuators relative to the brake members so as to pivot the brake members into and out of engagement with the two wheels of the cart.
 2. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the elongate brake actuators are brake rods.
 3. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the mounting member is coupleable to a back plate of the cart between two rear wheels of the cart.
 4. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the cam is configured to rotate between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees.
 5. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the brake members are configured to apply pressure on the tires of the wheels to inhibit their rotation when the cam is actuated to pivot the brake members into engagement with the wheels via the elongate brake actuators.
 6. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the actuator is a foot pedal actuatable by a user's foot.
 7. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the cam is rotatable in one direction to move the brake members into engagement with the wheels of the cart, and rotatable in an opposite direction to disengage the brake members from the wheels.
 8. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the elongate brake actuators have generally the same length.
 9. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the cam is coupled to the mounting member generally at the center of the mounting member.
 10. The brake system of claim 1, wherein the cart is a four-wheeled cart.
 11. A mechanical brake system for a cart, comprising: a mounting member coupleable to a back plate of the cart between two rear wheels of the cart; a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member; a pair of elongate brake actuators movably coupled to the cam at proximal ends thereof, the elongate brake actuators extending outwardly in opposite directions from the cam; a pair of brake members pivotably coupled to the mounting member on opposite sides of the cam, the brake members movably coupled to distal ends of the brake members; and a pedal coupled to the cam, the pedal mechanically actuatable by a user's foot to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuators relative to the brake members so as to pivot the brake members into and out of engagement with tires of the two rear wheels of the cart.
 12. The brake system of claim 11, wherein the elongate brake actuators are brake rods.
 13. The brake system of claim 11, wherein the cam is configured to rotate between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees.
 14. The brake system of claim 11, wherein the brake members are configured to apply pressure on the tires of the wheels to inhibit their rotation when the cam is actuated to pivot the brake members into engagement with the wheels via the elongate brake actuators.
 15. The brake system of claim 11, wherein the cam is rotatable in one direction to move the brake members into engagement with the wheels of the cart, and rotatable in an opposite direction to disengage the brake members from the wheels.
 16. The brake system of claim 11, wherein the elongate brake actuators have generally the same length.
 17. A mechanical brake system for a cart, comprising: a mounting member coupleable to a back plate of the cart between two rear wheels of the cart; a cam rotatably coupled on the mounting member; at least one elongate brake actuator movably coupled to the cam at a proximal end thereof, the elongate brake actuator extending outwardly from the cam toward one of the two rear wheels of the cart; a brake member pivotably coupled to the mounting member and movably coupled to a distal end of the brake members; and a pedal coupled to the cam, the pedal mechanically actuatable by a user's foot to rotate the cam, said rotation of the cam causing the translation of the elongate brake actuator relative to the brake member so as to pivot the brake member into and out of engagement with a tire of one of the two rear wheels of the cart.
 18. The brake system of claim 17, wherein the at least one elongate brake actuator comprises two elongate brake actuators extending outwardly from opposite sides of the cam.
 19. The brake system of claim 18, wherein the elongate brake actuators comprise brake rods.
 20. The brake system of claim 17, wherein the cam is configured to rotate between about 30 degrees and about 45 degrees.
 21. The brake system of claim 17, wherein the brake member is configured to apply a pressure on the tire to inhibit rotation of the corresponding wheel when the cam is actuated to pivot the brake member into engagement with the wheel via the elongate brake actuator.
 22. The brake system of claim 17, wherein the cam is rotatable in one direction to move the brake member into engagement with one of the rear wheels of the cart, and rotatable in an opposite direction to disengage the brake member from said wheel.
 23. The brake system of claim 17, wherein the cart is a four-wheeled cart. 